The kids have been on about going to the seaside with Momma since before the holidays started. Yesterday was the day we managed it.

We decided on Sutton-on-sea because we’ve been there before and it’s a lovely place. Right between Mablethorpe and Skegness; it is not ‘touristy’ at all. There are a couple of cafe’s, a cafe/bar on the sea front, the obligatory gift shop and a wreck on the beach. Unfortunately the wreck has been deemed unsafe and had a lifeguard tent around it, but we know it’s there!

When we arrived at about 10 o’clock, the car park was deserted. We parked and had a cuppa before strolling up to the beach. The beach was also deserted and even later in the day when it was at it’s busiest, there was hardly anyone to be seen. Wonderful.

All the children had a great time digging holes in the sand, burying toes and paddling in the sea. I was very brave, stripped down to my bikini and dived in for a swim. I came up gasping for breath and wondering how I was ever going to make it back to the shore (all of 30 metres away!) and then realised I could still reach the floor…

After warming up for a few minutes I had another leap into the sea and this time it was actually quite nice. I love the way you can just float lazily in the salt water.

There is also a fantastic little play area with a paddling pool that we had to have a play in too. Theo loved it in there as the floor wasn’t shifting under his feet all the time!

Momma wasn’t very well, having caught a sore throat and cough from me and Hannah, but made it through the day.

Unfortunately I don’t have any photo’s as my camera had no batteries in it and Hannah has done something with the SD card. I have no idea where she’s put it!

We all thoroughly enjoyed our day out, went through vast amounts of clothes and nappies and all three children were exhausted last night.

I had been told about Matlock Bath Aquarium, but never been in. Since it's inside it didn't matter what the weather was doing so I stuck the kids in the car and off we went.

Every place has some down sides, so the problems we had were 1) I couldn't take the pushchair upstairs so had to carry Theo and 2) There were no toilets. Fortunately I asked this first so was able to sort it out before we paid to get in!

The children were all enthralled by the fish, HUGE beasties they were! The aquarium is at a Victorian Spa Bath and it is this bath that is filled with koi and other large fish which can be fed.

It was very cheap to get in, just £2.40! There was also a hologram exhibition but again I had some problems here. The pictures were all hung at adult eye level, and to see them properly you need to be right in front of them. This meant putting Theo down, lifting Hannah, catching Theo, lifting Louis and catching Theo again. Not something to be done on my own next time! We did discover that if the kids stood far enough back from the holograms they could see them but there wasn't always enough room to do this.

All in all it was excellent value for money, and the children never get bored of seeing fish swim around. But next time I'll make sure I have help on hand!

We visited Sheffield Botanical Gardens today. It’s one of our favourite places, whether we have ten minutes to spare or a couple of hours.

The children were particularly enchanted today as there was a wedding party celebrating and having photographs taken. Hannah thought the bride looked like a beautiful princess, and of course she did.

Looking around in the Gardens, I wonder why we travel away from Sheffield to see stunning views, when we have them right here on our doorstep. All over Sheffield there are parks, gardens and farms where the children can run and play safely while learning of the joys of the countryside.

I love the Botanical Gardens in every season, the plants and trees are constantly changing throughout the year and even on the coldest day we can wrap up warm and enjoy wandering around.

The children love to see the statue of Pan, the fountain, the ponds and of course, they love to feed the squirrels. The squirrels themselves are so tame they will eat out of your hand, but I can never quite get the camera organised quickly enough!

So, for your viewing pleasure, my album from today. Enjoy.

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